Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted
Stricken, smitten, and afflicted
This hymn presents classical substitutionary atonement theology central to Lutheran understanding, depicting Christ bearing the penalty of human sin. It emphasizes the comfort found in recognizing Christ's suffering as vicarious satisfaction for the sins of the world, reflecting Luther's doctrine of justification by faith.
History & Background
Written by English Nonconformist minister Thomas Polhill in the late 17th century, this hymn was published in various English hymnal collections. It became widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals beginning in the 19th century, particularly in German and English-speaking Lutheran traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 350
- Glory to God — 215
- Lutheran Service Book — 451
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 161
- Lutheran Worship — 116
- Trinity Hymnal — 257
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 153
- Voices Together — 193
Bulletin Note
Penned by Thomas Polhill in 1677, this hymn embodies Reformed and Lutheran substitutionary theology, depicting Christ bearing humanity's deserved penalty with unflinching clarity—a meditation suited to Holy Week contrition and Easter hope.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Luther's doctrine of vicarious atonement, making visible the Gospel's answer to the Law's condemnation—Christ as the innocent Substitute who endures divine wrath in our stead.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand to love God completely (St. 1) through confession of sin and need for Christ's redemption (St. 2), to the Holy Spirit's sustaining comfort (St. 3), culminating in trinitarian confidence and eschatological hope (St. 4)
Themes
Substitutionary atonement Suffering of Christ Penal substitution Redemption Comfort in affliction